Construction workers build our world. They spend years honing their craft to build hospitals, schools, roadways as well as keeping the lights on and water running. Construction Appreciation Week is Sept. 15-19, 2025. It was founded to recognize the hard work and achievements of those working in the construction industry. It also provides the perfect opportunity for companies to highlight the tremendous effort of their employees.
Why It’s Important to Appreciate Construction Employees
Employee satisfaction is intrinsically tied to retention. Happy employees are more engaged and perform at a higher level. According to Gallup, concentrating on employee engagement can help companies withstand, and possibly even thrive, in tough economic times.
With construction companies struggling to find workers – as well as cutting costs – retaining your skilled employees is more important than ever. According to Arcoro’s 2025 State of HR Technology report, 65% of survey respondents say finding and hiring the right candidates is their top HR challenge. And with costs of raw materials like aluminum and lumber being higher than ever, companies need to focus on reducing turnover.
Content employees are also less likely to leave which helps to save the company the time and money needed to hire and train new people. Plus, a positive workplace encourages teamwork and creativity which makes it easier for everyone to collaborate.
How to Recognize Your Employees
Here are three ways to celebrate Construction Appreciation Week 2025:
- Host an on-site appreciation event
Organize a catered breakfast or lunch at your job site to thank the team for their hard work. Food builds community and boosts morale. According to one survey, companies that offer free or subsidized food have 67% higher employee satisfaction. A barbecue, food trucks or bringing in breakfast items like coffee and donuts are great options. During the event, consider recognizing employees for their achievements, whether that’s handing out awards or simply saying, “thanks.” You can also hand out small gifts like branded gear or upgraded tools. - Spotlight workers and projects on social media
Feature your employees and their work on your company's social media accounts throughout the week. According to HR Daily Advisor, social media platforms are among the most effective venues for recognizing employee efforts. Social media posts can be used to instill a sense of pride and loyalty among their workforce, leading to increased job satisfaction, improved performance and reduced turnover rates. Showcase recently completed projects or works in progress with photos and videos. Share individual stories and achievements to put a human face on the work being done. - Invest in employee professional development
Show your long-term commitment to your team by investing in their career growth. According to Gallup, organizations that have made a strategic investment in employee development report 11% greater profitability and are twice as likely to retain their employees. Host workshops, training sessions or seminars that focus on new technologies, project management, or safety protocols. You can also fund educational courses at local trade schools or send a team to a construction conference or trade show.
A learning management system (LMS) can assist construction companies looking to provide continuing career development for workers. It not only offers access to essential training but helps track certification completions, keeping companies compliant. A good LMS offers a cost-effective solution for training that goes a long way towards keeping employees engaged and retained.